Elder Spirituality
The Possibilities of Now
January 31, 2026 @ 9:00 am – February 1, 2026 @ 3:00 pm
Our spiritual lives change as we age and as our circumstances change with it. In this retreat, we will explore our spiritual journeys in the context of our later years, when there is more time in the rearview mirror than on the road ahead. What changes and losses are you grieving? What new opportunities, gifts, and invitations are you noticing? What are you yearning for? What signposts of wisdom are you noticing within yourself? Through creative activities, contemplative prayer, and reflective conversation, we will journey together through this elder land, discovering what might be possible and what we may need to leave behind.
The retreat begins at 9:00 am on Saturday and ends at 3:00 pm on Sunday. The registration fee of $225 covers lodging, meals, and the retreat program. A limited number of commuter tickets are available, and a discounted rate will be available to those opting to share a room. Scholarship assistance is available to those with financial need. Please email information@peacehillavila.org to request a scholarship.
Retreat Facilitators
Cate Alexander
Cate Alexander is a spiritual companion/director and contemplative group leader, who currently facilitates a contemplative eldering group at the Center for Action and Contemplation, where she completed three years of study. Recognizing that the spiritual journey is lifelong, Cate enjoys accompanying others in the sacred work that is uniquely theirs to do, and in gathering the wisdom of their lives, so that they might pass freely the gifts of the journey. Based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, her training encompasses spiritual formation, contemplative practice, Ignatian spirituality, discernment for major life decisions, grief support, trauma-informed companionship, Christian and wisdom traditions, and social justice. Cate holds academic credentials from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor (sociology/political science), Johns Hopkins University (communications), and George Mason University (conflict resolution).
Mary Kay Glazer
Mary Kay Glazer is a true friend, a calm, non-anxious presence, and a creative and quirky soul. She typically brings her whole eclectic self to the variety of things she does, including her work as an ordained interspiritual minister, spiritual director, retreat leader, Life-Cycle Celebrant®/ceremony specialist, and writer. Having been raised in the Roman Catholic tradition, she has been a Quaker since 1989. Her background includes a master’s degree in Spiritual Formation and Leadership from Spring Arbor University, Shalem Institute’s Spiritual Guidance Program, and School of the Spirit’s Spiritual Nurture Program. She was once a television news producer, then worked in public relations for a variety of places, including the Susan B. Anthony House in Rochester, NY. She lives in Eastern NC with her husband. Learn more at www.mkglazer.com and www.soulsongceremonies.com.
About the Retreat Setting
The retreat will be held at Avila Center for Community Leadership, a rural setting 20 minutes north of downtown Durham. Originally a Carmelite monastery that has since been transformed into a center for community organizing, Avila offers private and shared accommodations nestled into the woods. The 50-acre property includes trails, a labyrinth, as well as numerous spaces for conversation and quiet moments of contemplation.
Nourishing meals featuring local ingredients will be provided by Chef Netta of Netta’s Pantry, including lunch and dinner on Saturday, breakfast and lunch on Sunday, and plenty of snacks and beverages.
Sponsored by Peace Hill at Avila.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation requests must be received at least 30 days prior to the retreat in order to receive a refund, less a $25 processing fee.